(AP) -- J.D. Martinez had three hits and three RBIs to lead the Houston Astros to a 5-1 win over the Cubs on Wednesday night to complete the series three-game sweep and give Chicago its longest losing streak in more than a decade.
The Cubs have lost nine straight for the first time since dropping the same number of games from May 8-18 2002.
Houston starter Wandy Rodriguez (4-4) allowed eight hits and a run with five strikeouts in seven innings.
The victory is the 77th of his career, moving him into sole possession of second place in franchise history for wins by a left-hander.
Chicago starter Jeff Samardzija (4-3) yielded six hits and two runs with four strikeouts in six innings.
(Copyright ©2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forKTVO